For Alex Van Duyvendyk, there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel.
The Kelowna doctor has battled through serious heart issues for several years and received two open heart surgeries in 2020 and 2021.
Unfortunately, test results in April 2024 showed that she has another closed coronary artery, which has left her dealing with chest pain and shortness of breath on a daily basis.
She hasn’t been able to find any adequate solutions in Canada, other than being referred for a heart transplant, so she made a trip to the Mayo Clinic Arizona in June 2024.
That led her to a world-renowned physician in Seattle, Dr. Bill Lombardi, who believes he can put an end to Van Duyvendyk’s issues with a procedure now set for Friday, Aug. 16.
Friend Joy Rempel has started a GoFundMe to help Van Duyvendyk and her husband Luke fund their bills from the Mayo Clinic, around $50,000, and the estimated $120,000 price tag of the surgery in Seattle.
According to Rempel, tests done in Arizona determined that Van Duyvendyk currently has just 50% of her heart receiving blood flow.
And while those are less-than-ideal numbers, it’s also a hopeful finding as it indicates the rest of her heart is still working well.
Rempel says it shows that the heart muscle is still viable if Van Duyvendyk can get proper blood flow back, which is what the procedure in Seattle will aim to do.
“Although they are nervous for yet another complex procedure, they are so grateful to have a glimmer of hope that may allow them to avoid another open heart surgery and possible heart transplant,” Rempel said of the Van Duyvendyks.
The fundraiser was created to support Alex and Luke with their medical bills, as Rempel says they have yet to hear back on multiple attempts for provincial health coverage and support.
Before receiving the latest news about Alex’s heart in April, the couple adopted their daughter Annie in January.
Now, both are unable to work, as Annie requires child care and Alex is unable to work as an emergency doctor in her current state.
Click this link if you’d like to read more about Alex’s story and contribute to the GoFundMe.
